Converting Decimal to Words: Writing 0.5 in Word Form

Q: Why is 0.5 equal to 5 divided by 10?

The first digit after the decimal point represents the tenths place. So 0.5 means 5 tenths, which is written as $\frac{5}{10}$ or "5 divided by 10".

Q: How do I know which place value to use?

Count the positions after the decimal point: first position = tenths, second = hundredths, third = thousandths. Since 0.5 has one digit after the decimal, it's in the tenths place.

Q: Can I simplify the fraction 5/10?

Yes! $\frac{5}{10}$ simplifies to $\frac{1}{2}$ by dividing both numerator and denominator by 5. But for this question, we need the exact place value form.

Q: What if the decimal has more digits like 0.25?

For 0.25, you have two digits after the decimal point, so it goes to the hundredths place: $\frac{25}{100}$ or "25 divided by 100".

Q: Is there a quick way to remember this?

One digit after decimal = tenths (÷10)Two digits after decimal = hundredths (÷100)Three digits after decimal = thousandths (÷1000)

Decimal Representation with Place Value Understanding

Rewrite the following decimal in words:

0.5

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Step-by-step written solution

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Understand the problem

Rewrite the following decimal in words:

0.5

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we need to express the decimal 0.5 as a fraction and then rewrite that fraction in words.

First, let's convert the decimal 0.5 into a fraction. The decimal 0.5 means that we have 5 parts out of 10, or $\frac{5}{10}$ . In simplest terms, the decimal 0.5 is equivalent to the fraction where 5 is the numerator and 10 is the denominator.

Therefore, when expressed in words, 0.5 is "five divided by ten."
So, the correct answer choice is:

$\frac{5}{10}$

Final Answer

5 divided by 10

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Place Value Rule: The digit after decimal point represents tenths place
Technique: 0.5 means 5 tenths or $\frac{5}{10}$
Check: Verify by dividing: 5 ÷ 10 = 0.5 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Confusing decimal places with whole number positions
Don't read 0.5 as "5 divided by 100" = 0.05! This confuses tenths with hundredths place. Always remember the first digit after the decimal point is tenths, so 0.5 equals 5 divided by 10.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Determine the numerical value of the shaded area:

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why is 0.5 equal to 5 divided by 10?

The first digit after the decimal point represents the tenths place. So 0.5 means 5 tenths, which is written as $\frac{5}{10}$ or "5 divided by 10".

How do I know which place value to use?

Count the positions after the decimal point: first position = tenths, second = hundredths, third = thousandths. Since 0.5 has one digit after the decimal, it's in the tenths place.

Can I simplify the fraction 5/10?

Yes! $\frac{5}{10}$ simplifies to $\frac{1}{2}$ by dividing both numerator and denominator by 5. But for this question, we need the exact place value form.

What if the decimal has more digits like 0.25?

For 0.25, you have two digits after the decimal point, so it goes to the hundredths place: $\frac{25}{100}$ or "25 divided by 100".

Is there a quick way to remember this?

One digit after decimal = tenths (÷10)
Two digits after decimal = hundredths (÷100)
Three digits after decimal = thousandths (÷1000)

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